CalHEAT: Trucking's Road Map for Cleaner Air

Friday, January 20, 2012

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Ask just about anyone in the truck industry how to improve emissions, reduce petroleum use and improve energy security. Nearly everyone will have an opinion and virtually no two opinions will be exactly the same. The amount of information on the subject is both amazingly diverse and widespread. That’s why, just two short years ago, the California Energy Commission (CEC), through the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program, established CalHEAT.

CalHEAT’s mission: Gather and analyze the information and develop a Technology Road Map for trucks to best meet the objectives of improving emissions, reducing petroleum use and improving energy security. Over the last two years, CalHEAT has been gathering, organizing and analyzing the myriad amount of information on the subject. “Collaboration is key,” says Fred Silver, Vice President, CALSTART, “as the stakeholders are
many and the subject is, of course, very complex.”

CalHEAT consists of a Steering Committee, along with an Advisory Council and a Technology Advisory Group. The Council includes air pollution and air quality people from around the State, along with regulators, such as CARB and the EPA. The Group includes senior scientists and professionals from major fleets, industry and associations.

The good news is that the Road Map is ready for a “first look” and will be presented at the CalHEAT Forum 2012. Attendees will receive an overview of the map, which includes six technology pathways – hybridization, low carbon fuels, aerodynamic aids, gasoline engines, reduced rolling resistance and diesel engine efficiency.

“The exciting part of the project is just now beginning,” says Silver, “as we continue to work with the industry to digest, embrace and implement the Road Map.”

Join us at the CalHEAT Forum 2012, on Wednesday, February 22, at the Hilton Hotel in Stockton. Registration is required. To register, click here.